Author's Note: 

The disciples of the Sun Zhang monastery are given titles when their semblance is unlocked. Their title (ie: Jiao Kun the Dragon) is based completely on the nature of their semblance and is not affected by their species traits (human vs faunus).

Reader's POV

5 years old:

After a few hours of walking, you and Jiao stand beneath the shadow of a large monastery, great walls shielding the surrounding area from view. A grand set of giant oak doors, flanked by two stone Phoenixes, are guarded by four more men and women also dressed in similar robes. They open the doors and bow the two of you in. Inside you are greeted with the sight of a huge courtyard where hundreds and hundreds of men and women, human and faunus alike, all train together, moving in sync at the command of another woman standing in front of them all. Moving past you catch glimpses of other smaller areas where different men and women eat, talk, and train. You are led inside the monastery itself, past a room of robed, praying figures, and into a large circular room where two men and two women sit on cushions, incense burning in the middle. Jiao lets go of your hand and moves to the last vacant cushion on the far right of the circle.

"Brother Kun, you have returned." The woman sitting in the middle says. "What have you brought with you?"

"This, Sister Yi, is (F/N) (L/N)."

8 years old:

It has been a little over three years since Grandmaster Kun found you in the forest and brought you to the Sun Zhang temple. After the elders had approved of your training, Grandmaster Kun spent the next week showing you around the temple and explaining the way of Sun Zhang, and after that week you were thrust into a new life. A life that revolved around training, meditation, and defense of the temple. It took time to adjust to this new way of living. For the first few months your body screamed in protest of the changes. Still, the early mornings and physical challenges weren't nearly as difficult as the philosophy on emotions.

"The only bonds that can be formed within the temple are those of unity and brotherhood." Grandmaster Yi told you. "You must learn to respect your brothers and sisters as capable fighters and devoted servants to the temple. Friendship and romance cannot be permitted. Despite one's best intentions, friends and romantic partners can face trying times in their relationships, which can lead to negative emotions, and negative emotions attract the creatures of Grimm. By removing cause for these emotions, we protect ourselves from the Grimm. So if you should see a brother or sister fall in battle, weep not, and instead honor them and their sacrifice."

Despite what Grandmaster Yi had told you, you still found it difficult not to harbor such emotions. However, with time you learned to ignore such feelings; except when it came to your mother. You know it's foolish, but you can't help but think that maybe one day she'll return for you.

12 years old:

After seven years you have given up the childish thought that your mother will ever return. In place you have come to see Grandmaster Kun as a father to you. Despite what you were taught at a young age, you can't help but feel attached to him. He was the one to bring you to the safety of the temple and has since acted as a mentor and guide. Under his caring watch you have focused your energies on training. Having become proficient in hand to hand combat, the monks your age would today begin working to unlock their semblance.

Today you sat in the center gardens with the other disciples your age. It was the first day of Spring, and Master Ischi, the Eagle had gathered all those who had recently passed their twelfth year. "As you begin to enter young adulthood it is important to understand your body and its relationship with the world of Remnant." He says to the group, his lion tail gently swaying in the light breeze. "There exists an energy in this world known as Chi. Chi is the energy of the universe, and as such it surrounds us completely. Chi flows throughout all living things, including all of you. It is this energy that protects us, heals us, and strengthens us. Chi however, is not all powerful. If one's Chi is depleted through constant use or through the sustaining of repeated damage, it can be depleted, leaving the wielder exposed. Chi will regenerate over time, but it is important that you do not let it deplete and do not become over reliant on its abilities. Chi is unique to each person, and as such each individual has a unique semblance, which is the physical manifestation of one's Chi energy." Upon saying this, Master Ischi jumps stands and jumps into the air, remaining there for ten seconds before gently returning to the ground.

12 years 6 months old:

A few days ago during your sparring sessions, you unlocked your semblance. As your partner, Sister Kya's spinning heel kick made contact with your chest, a F/C light surrounded your body and the lower half of Sister Kya's leg. Both of you paused for a moment, caught of guard by the occurrence. Sister Kya however resumed and aimed a punch at the side of your head. Throwing you hand up to block you notice the same thing happen to your Sister's arm. On instinct you aim a punch at Kya's solar plexus, striking through her block and sending her flying backwards, far further than normal. Looking down you see your hand glowing a faint F/C.

13 years old:

After rigorous study and training with the elder monks, you are able to determine the full extent of your semblance. Today you and several fellow disciples who have unlocked their semblance stand at the front of the grand courtyard facing the rest of the monks, as the annual semblance ceremony commences.

"Brothers and Sisters; those who stand before you today have shown great dedication and commitment to their training." Master Ischi says. "Through serious study and rigorous training, they have discovered and harnessed the potential of their semblance. As a symbol of their efforts, these disciples will be presented with their self-designed custom robes. Remember, these robes mark the wearer as a senior, and as such they shall be referred to as Older Brothers and Sisters. Seniors, as Older Brothers and Sisters it is your job to set an example, and to look after your younger siblings."

One by one Master Ischi announces the semblance and title of each of the new senior monk as the Grandmaster in charge of overseeing their training presents them with their robes. Finally, your name is reached. Grandmaster Kun stands in front of you with a folded pile of silk. Bowing to him you turn around and remove the standard orange robes, leaving you only in your thigh length undergarments. Turning back to face Grandmaster, you take the top item off the pile, a pair of (S/C) silk pants. After donning the item, you take the second, larger item; a set of silk, one sleeved robes. Pulling on the sleeve and wrapping the robes on, so that your back, right arm, and most of your chest are covered in (P/C) silk which falls to your ankles. The left side of your body from just underneath your armpit wrapping up to your right shoulder in a diagonal line is silk of a (S/C) color, the rest hidden underneath the (P/C) section. Lastly, you grab the (S/C) cord from Grandmaster Kun and tie it securely around your waist.

"Brother (L/N), through hard work and dedication, you have unlocked your semblance, which allows you to absorb kinetic energy, enabling you to increase your strength and speed to great heights. As such, from this day forth you shall be known as Brother (F/N) (L/N), the White Rhino."

14 years old:

Today is a very special day for you. Now that you have mastered your semblance and are proficient in hand to hand combat, you are privileged to begin training with weapons. To begin your journey in weapons training you must first choose your weapon. You are being escorted by Grandmaster Kun to the monastery's keeper of weapons, Master Sid, who dwells on the fifth floor of the temple.

Upon entering the weapons room, you see Master Sid instructing senior students, those who have chosen the dual broadswords as their weapon. You and Grandmaster Kun stand at the back of the room until Master Sid dismisses the other monks. Bowing to their master they begin to exit. A group of several monks approach you and Grandmaster Kun. "Greeting Grandmaster Kun." One of the monks says. "It is good to see you. Did you come to observe our training?"

"No Brother Roth, I am overseeing Brother (F/N) (L/N)'s selection of his weapon."

Another of the monks, a female tiger faunus, looks to you. "This is a big step for you little brother." She says. "To begin weapons training is a great honor." You nod your head and offer your thanks before Grandmaster Kun leads you to Master Sid.

"Ah, Brother (F/N). Here to select your weapon?" Master Sid asks.

"Yes Master." You respond. "I am honored to be granted such a privilege."

"Hmm, yes. Well, take a look and see what peeks your interest." Master Sid says, gesturing to the far wall which houses a large variety of weapons. You move to the wall and begin your examination. Eying some of the weapons and holding some of the ones that interest you to get a feel for them. You set down a set of dual hook swords and begin examining the double sided Guandao. "Remember," Master Sid says, "whatever weapon you choose today will be the weapon you train with your whole life. As it will be used to take the lives of those who threaten the temple, it too shall take your life in dedication to its mastery." You have found great interest in the chain whip, liking the flexibility of the weapon. "The chain whip," Master Sid begins, "an excellent choice."

"Wait." You say. While you enjoy the chain whips ability to wrap and flex, it feels to light and delicate for you. Setting it back down you see a similar weapon hidden behind the others. It's extremely dusty and you can tell no one has selected this weapon in many years. You pick it up and examine it. It is a heavy, round metal weight hanging at the end of a long rope. Swinging it around a bit you nod your head in satisfaction. "I would like to learn to use this." You say.

Grandmaster Kun and Master Sid look to one another. "Are you sure Brother (L/N)?" Master Sid asks. "Perhaps you would prefer the spear like Grandmaster Kun."

"No." You say. "I want to learn this. It feels right."

"White Rhino, are your absolutely sure that you want..."

"Yes." You say firmly. "Why are you trying to change my mind?"

"It is simply that this weapon demands the highest amount of skill. No disciple of Sun Zhang has wielded one in over fifty years. It will be difficult to learn, and only the greatest and most worthy of warriors can wield it. I'm not sure if you're skills are advanced enough to use such a weapon."

You feel insulted at Master Sid's doubt of your skill, but immediately quench the emotion. "Well then," You say, turning to Master Sid, "I guess I'll find out."

"Very well." Grandmaster Kun says. "You have chosen your weapon which to dedicate your life. Success or failure, there will be no returning now. Tomorrow you being your training with the meteor hammer."

17 years old:

It's a dark day. Creatures of Grimm assaulted the doors to the monastery, attracted by the fear of a group of lost travelers who sought refuge at the temple. Those who were trained in weapons combat, including yourself, stood guard before the entrance, fighting off hordes of Grimm that never seemed to cease. After hours of fighting the largest Ursa Major you have ever seen, at least three times larger than average, emerged from the darkness. Despite the guardians' best efforts many were cut down before the giant beast. Grandmaster Kun ordered the retreat of your brothers and sisters, telling you all to wait within the walls should the doors fall. You however refuse to leave his side, and fight with him against the giant Grimm.

As the Ursa charges you watch as Grandmaster Kun slides between its legs and brings his spear, dragon fang, crashing down upon the beast's back. Protected by its thick armor, the creature seems unphased and turns to face Jiao. Caught off guard Jiao does not move in time and is swiped by the Ursa's claws and sent flying backwards. The Grimm then lunges at its prey, ready to kill, but is sent crashing to the side by your meteor hammer. You rush to your master's side, Rhino's Charge at the ready, and help him to his feet. "Brother (L/N), I ordered you inside the walls. The temple must not fall."

"And neither must you." You reply.

Grandmaster Kun is about to reply but is interrupted by the sound of the Ursa getting back on its feet. The two of you rush the beast together. You duck under one of its swipes and use the rope of Rhino's Charge to trap its arm to its body, then sending the head of your weapon at the beast's head. Grandmaster Kun then stabs Dragon's Fang into one of its eyes, causing it to bleed profusely. Enraged and in pain, the Ursa uses its free arm to send you and Jiao flying backwards, untangling its other arm in the process.

Getting back on your feet you prepare to charge the beast again. "(F/N), wait!" Kun says, but you ignore him. You send Rhino's Charge straight towards the beast, releasing more rope from you grip to allow it to fly further. After making contact with the Ursa you pull back on the rope returning the head to you before spinning and releasing Rhino's Charge once more in an upwards fashion, striking the beast under the jaw. Continuing with the momentum you swing your weapon over your head and bring it crashing across the Ursa's shoulder. Pulling back on the rope you allow it to swing around your shoulders and hold the head closer to your body, dropping into a defensive stance. The beast takes a large slash at you and, underestimating its speed, you are struck backwards. You look up to see the Ursa charging you, but just before its jaws rip you to pieces, Grandmaster Kun steps in front of you forcing the pole of Dragon's Fang into the creature's mouth, holding it off. "Run! Protect the gate!" He yells at you. Turning to do as he says you hear the creature bite through Dragon Fang, splintering it, and it swipes at your back, adding a new addition to your collection of scars. You hit your head against the hard ground and black out.

You awaken to see the Dragon spitting flames at the beast while its fang lays in splinters off to the side. The great Ursa seems almost unphased by the flames and charges straight through the fire. Grandmaster Kun increases the strength of the flame through the use of a dust crystal, but only manages to slow the beast down slightly before it pins him to the ground. You watch helplessly as the Ursa devours your master, your father, blood running from its mouth. "NO!" You scream, getting to your feet. You grab Rhino's Charge from the ground and send it flying towards the killer creature. Using your semblance, you add as much additional power as you can behind the impact of your meteor hammer. As it makes contact a (F/C) circle surrounds the point of impact, and the Ursa is sent crashing through several trees. You kneel beside what remains of Grandmaster Kun, horrified at the sight of the bloody mass in front of you. You don't have time to grieve however, as the Ursa is back on its feet and is charging you down. Grabbing one of the fire dust shards lying next to the Dragon, you crush it in your hand and infuse the powder into the rope of Rhino's Charge. The rope turns to flames and spreads up to the head. You send the flaming meteor at the beast, knocking it backwards and onto the ground. Taking advantage of its dazed state, you sling the flaming rope around the creature's neck and pull tight. Howling in pain the creature swipes at you, but you use the long length of rope to ensnare its arm. You continue to pull tighter until you feel the rope slacken. You look down to see the Ursa has fallen, it would have suffocated had the flaming rope not severed its head completely from its body.

Later that evening:

A ceremony was held honoring Grandmaster Kun's sacrifice. The Dragon was placed in a grand casket with the remains of Dragon's Fang, and his body was set aflame. After the ceremony you are called by the high council of Sun Zhang to see them. Entering the circular room, you see Grandmasters Yi, Wu Kong, Roth, and Fan Lang awaiting your arrival. Grandmaster Kun's seat however, is empty.

"Brother (L/N), please site." Grandmaster Yi says. You do as she instructs, sitting before the four elders. "It is to our understanding that you were the only witness to the fall of Brother Kun. Please, describe to us what happened."

You tell the four elders what you saw. How Grandmaster Kun had ordered a retreat and how you stayed by his side. How you were knocked unconscious and awoke in time to see the Dragon slain by the Ursa. And how you, in despair, managed to kill the giant yourself.

"I see." Grandmaster Roth says. "Brother Kun fought admirably, his sacrifice will be honored."

"You must realize however, how foolish your actions were Brother (L/N)." You look up to stare at Grandmaster Wu Kong, her eyes cold and unforgiving. "Brother Kun ordered a retreat and you did not follow his instructions."

"I couldn't just leave him to fight the creature himself. He would have died!" You say back.

"He did die. He died and your actions are responsible for his death." Wu Kong continues. "You were struck down and in doing so forced Brother Kun to come to your defense. It is because of your presence that you divided Jiao's attention, which lead to the loss of his life."

"I'm sorry." You cry out. "I just wanted to help him. I did the best I..."

"You're best was not good enough!" Grandmaster Fan Lang interrupts. "Because of your foolish actions the Dragon has been slain. You should have trusted your elder to have been capable of defeating the Grimm alone, but you allowed your emotions to cloud your judgement."

"From this day forwards," Grandmaster Roth says, "you will resume your training in hopes that you eliminate such foolish emotions. You shall train harder to ensure next time something like this occurs you will be ready. You shall show the respect your elders deserve. Today you have disgraced the name of a guardian of the San Zhang temple, and you must now work to restore your honor."

With that Grandmaster Yi dismisses you. As you leave you overhear Fan Lang tell the others, "The White Rhino has killed the Dragon."    

Author's Note:

You will arrive at Beacon in the next chapter.

Feedback and constructive criticism is greatly appreciated.